Hi Dr. Seckel, My name is Thomas and I am trying to decide either to have a Fraxel laser or Microlaser peel performed but I am not sure which one will have the better results and fewer side effects. I am treating mild to moderate acne scaring, but I am also trying to improve the overall complexion and appearance of my skin. I am 33 years old and have had Acne since I was 15 years old but I don’t have any more breakouts I am just trying to have a nicer and smoother skin. Thank you.
Dear Thomas,
Both Fraxel and the Sciton Microlaserpeel laser type skin peels are used by plastic surgeons and dermatologiosts for mild acne scarring. The key is finding a plastic surgeon who is experienced in their use. My preference is the MicrolaserPeel using the Sciton Erbium laser or the ActiveFX laser skin peel. These ablative laser skin peels allow me produce deep skin exfoliation, to go deeper in areas of acne scarring and more superficial in undamaged areas. Also the MicrolaserPeel is a more uniform laser skin exfoliation treatment the whole area being lased is treated, not spot treated in 8 micron cells like the Fraxel.
With the Microlaser peel you will need 3 or 4 treatments spaced 6 weeks to 3 months apart. The activefx goes deeper and may only require one treatment. I would estimate you would likely need many more Fraxel skin laser treatments to get the same effect. Patients whom I have treated with your situation have been very happy with the Sciton Erbium Microlaser peel and the Active FX laser skin peel. Deep skin exfoliation with stimulation of new collagen production is the key.
Foe more information on laser skin peel visit my Boston Plastic Surgery practice, contact me or read Save Your Face.
Sincerely,
Boston, Massachusetts
Peabody, Massachusetts